Dear Editor,

Sad to say that the greatest setback for us as an independent State is not flaws in our constitution but rampant corruption among those we elect to govern.

I can live with our present constitution but the accelerated corrupt practices over the years by our elected leaders have left a bitter taste in my mouth. The hope and aspiration of our children and grandchildren and the prosperity of our country are not threatened by the present constitution but by corruption that eats out 10 per cent of our annual budget.

Governments, since Independence, have tabled in our Parliament a total of more than $13 trillion in expenditure. Doing the maths, assuming that 10 per cent is lost through corruption, it means that in excess of $1.3 trillion of what should have been spent to make Jamaica a prosperous country has found its way to the pockets of the corrupt.

That $1.3 trillion is enough to put water in every district, rehabilitate every kilometre of farm roads to make our farmers more productive, build all the schools needed for a First World education, build a modern stadium, train and retrain the public sector, and improve the housing stock by more 50 per cent.

The talking points about constitutional reform are not about impeachment legislation to hold our corrupt parliamentarians and municipal councillors accountable, term limits for prime ministers, and recall legislation for Members of Parliament who renege on their duties to improve the quality of life of their constituents.

The recent announcement by the Integrity Commission that six of our legislators are being investigated for self-enrichment gives credence to my assertions. Furthermore, local polls found that more than 75 per cent of our people perceived our Government and parliamentarians to be corrupt. In another recent poll, majority of Jamaicans indicated that they believe corruption is on the rise.

To add salt to our wounds, these corrupt parliamentarians were given salary increases of over 200 per cent while still having access to paved roads on which to travel the route of corruption.

I am sorry for my little grandson who was born yesterday.

Fernandez Smith

fgeesmith@yahoo.com